Back to Nature (Part II)

Posted on 07 Nov 2020 @ 9:18pm by Lieutenant C'Tora Kuroka

Mission: R&R - after facing the Planet Killer
Location: Starbase 308
Timeline: after A Spot of Tea and A dash of Trouble
2332 words - 4.7 OF Standard Post Measure

"Betrothal bands before we meet your parents." M'Tarra replied, her own arm wrapped around C'Tora's waist, feeling deliriously happy. She could scarce believe that she had found C'Tora. And to think she could have missed out on this.

Then again, perhaps she wouldn't have, it seems already the universe has blessed them both in finding each other. "Perhaps after we get your ankle taken care of, we wait for lunch and instead, let's get the anklets and we... have our first lunch together as betrothed. Then tell our parents?"

A trip to medical, C'Tora's ankle checked out and taken care of, the two strolled to where they could find appropriate anklets.

"What a wonderful idea, I'm glad you thought of it." He leaned in for a kiss and after several moments broke contact. " I think we should be going to get those anklets now." They strolled along for several minutes amongst the shops and found a suitable store and purchased a matching set of silver bands. C'Tora placed his anklet on and then knelt in front of M'Tarra. " May I? " as he placed the anklet upon her. " My love for you is as eternal as the circle that this anklet represents, May the goddess and the universe bless us.."

M'tarra gave a purring sigh when the anklet was placed upon her extended foot. She felt so complete.

"Let's call my parents then yours. If only my parents were close, I'd actually want to do the complete bonding ceremony, right away. How about we go to the communication area, and we can do that right now." M'Tarra said with a smile.

A few minutes later, M'Tarra placed a call. "Mother, Father, I've got some news to tell you!" trying to keep the excitement down in her voice.

"Well, that makes two of us." her mother replied. "We have news as well, I guess we can spoil the surprise. Your Father and I have just arrived on the Starbase. Surprise! Come meet us if you would please, we have another surprise for you as well. You can come and tell us in person about your news! See you soon my dear." and communication is cut off.

M'Tarra turned to look at C'Tora, "Oh.. this is unexpected, I wonder what sort of surprise Mom and Dad are planning, besides being here. You may want to call your parents and have them meet us at the arrival area?"

C'Tora tapped his combadge. " Computer connect me to P'Rall Kuroka." After a few seconds. " Good evening Mother, Could you and father meet me at docking bay five in ten minutes? I have something precious to show you."

" C'Tora could this wait until later? We just got in from the symposium and my feet are killing me. "

" As you wish Mother, We were going there to meet her parents to show them our betrothal bands. I thought that you and Father would like to meet your future daughter in law and her parents. "

" C'Tora that's really nice but..... WHAT???? BETROTHAL BANDS???? Don't you dare move from that spot!! HONEY!! We are leaving NOW!!!"

The combadge suddenly cut off. C'Tora laughed and smiled at M'Tarra. " Darling I think we should get moving now or my parents will be there before us." He then took her hand as they made their way to the docking ring.

M'Tarra laughed, " I hope we make it there, after all your mother can reach warp really quickly."

They arrive at docking bay 5, just before C'Tora's parents arrive. M'Tarra's parents, Mraia her mother and H'iras her father reached the meeting area and behind them were two large male caitians. One was white with spots much like a snow leopard, and the other was tawny in color his mane looking much like a lion from the savannah.

"Hello, Mother and Father." M'Tarra greeted them verbally. Her arm was wrapped around C'Tora's waist.

Mraia took a look at her daughter, then her eyes widened noticing that there was a silver band of betrothal on her daughter's ankle.

"M'Tarra what is the meaning of this? We were surprising you with a visit and we brought these two with us, so that you could meet them!"

H'iras placed his hand upon his wife's shoulder. "Dear, I don't think that will be necessary." giving C'Tora the once over, his eyes narrowed to mere slits. "And just who are you?"

The two males who had accompanied M'Tarra's parents, gave C'Tora an assessing glance, noticing the way M'Tarra was holding onto her betrothed. They shrugged as they were not going to interfere with what was going on. Instead they walked over towards a wall and leaned up against it until things got sorted out, watching with great interest.

C'Tora met H'iras's gaze with neither hint of fear or challenge. " I am Dr. C'Tora Kuroka. I am the Chief Medical Officer of the Andromeda and betrothed of your daughter. Might I know your name or shall I just call you father? " He said with a smile as he extended his hand in greeting. " It is a pleasure to meet you and your lovely mate."

M'Tarra had let go of C'Tora, standing back as she didn't quite know what her father would do. H'iras didn't take C'Tora's hand just yet, he walked around the feline who was betrothed to his daughter. Then he gave C'Tora a wink and took his hand in a firm shake.

"Welcome to the family, Son." giving a laugh.

"Father!" M'Tarra gasped out, worried that her father was going to do something to C'Tora.

Just at that moment, C'Tora's mother and father arrived, "C'Tora, who is the lucky..." P'Rall's mouth dropped open as she noticed the betrothal anklet on her son's ankle and then on...

"M'Tarra?!" she turned towards C'Tora. "This... I.. No wonder I haven't been able to find her." she turned towards the other two Caitians. "Oh hello, you must be M'Tarra's parents. I'm..."

"P'rall Kuroka. We know who you are." Mraia replied giving C'Tora's mother a steely gaze. "Will you be giving them your blessing, or are you going to interfere?"

P'Rall spluttered for a moment, before giving Mraia a rather cold stare, her eyes narrowing. Both fathers quickly went to their significant other's side.

"Now, now, no fighting here, besides, it's all about our children's happiness not yours..."

As if in one accord both of them said in unison. "Let us take care of our business, we need to talk to each other."

P'rall and Mraia leave and go to one side to talk. M'tarra looked helplessly at C'Tora and the two fathers watched carefully. After what seemed to be a rather quiet but heated discussion, both P'Rall and Mraia threw back their heads and laughed, linking arms they sauntered back to where the others were.

"Oh don't worry, everything is okay." P'rall giving a smile.

"Yes, definitely approve of this match." Mraia replied.

C'Tora rolled his eyes. Great, now I how TWO drama queens in my life. Thank the Goddess M'Tarra isn't like that."

C'Tora looked at his mother and gave her an impish grin and turned his attention to his father and H'iras. " H'iras when you were circling me your movements were very precise, like an experienced hunter." then speaking a touch louder. " I think the males here should get to know each other better and spend some bonding time together. I just happen to have a lovely hunting program that we SHOULD be able to complete with teamwork. Of course there are no safety protocols, we wouldn't want to get soft now would we?"

P'Rall snarled, " I don't think so C'Tora. That will not be happening, especially since we need to find out just how long you will be betrothed, or shall we just get to where you two are married?"

C'Tora's father spoke up. "That is for them to decide. and I think that going on a hunt would be perfect for the three of us.."

"Make that five of us." the other two Caitian males spoke up walking over towards where C'Tora and the others were at. "We are interested very much."

Mraia gave them a sharp look and the two males just shrugged.

P'rall stepped in on this one. "There will not be a hunt, besides you two... have another hunt to take part in. I have two lovely assistants who I am certain would be very interested in the two of you. Here are their photos and the information on them. If you go to this area, you and they can meet up." sending the message to her assistants.

The two males looked at the information and nodded. "They look very beautiful. Thank you." turned and left the area quickly, eager to meet the cute female caitians.

P'rall turned back and gave a satisfied smile. "There, I am certain we'll be hearing about their marriage soon enough. Speaking of marriage...." she gave C'Tora an intense look, then it softened. "I am sorry, I am just so excited that you found someone who is worthy of you."

C'Tora stepped up to his Mother, His eyes narrowed as he growled. " You would DARE deny the males the right of the hunt?" His features softened immediately and then he laughed. " Very well then. Then perhaps the females could join us so you can protect us poor defenseless male from those nasty critters that lurk in the jungles." He lowered his head and in a low throaty tone. " Besides Mother, When was the last time you enjoyed fresh meat form a hunt and sated your appetite? It's been awhile hasn't it?"

P'Rall smiled, "It hasn't been that long since your father and I went on a hunt. In fact, we brought some meat from home, just for you. Its in stasis waiting for when you return to your ship. However it has been awhile since we've all hunted together, and I would like to do that. Let's make that our lunch plans then." she turned towards M'Tarra's parents who nodded eagerly.

"We would like that very much."

P'Rall purred, " Looks like its unanimous. Lets go to lunch, C'Tora lead the way." linking her arm with her spouse, and Mraia doing the same with hers. M'Tarra smiled and wrapped one arm around C'Tora's waist.

"This should be rather enjoyable." giving him an embrace.

As M'Tarra embraced him, he quickly leaned in for a kiss. " There, now we can go." He led them to the holodeck. " Computer, Grasslands with several large shade trees and one angus bull." The door hissed open. " That is our prey. This hunt will not last long nor will it be a challenge and we shall eat soon. A pride that hunts together grows and survives." They hunted and ate their fill and moved under the shade tree to enjoy the breeze.

C'Tora looked to M'Tarra. " My love, how long of a betrothal do you want? I don't want to rush you so I will let you name the time when you'd like our joining ceremony to be. I think I can wait until then." He stated looking at her adoringly.

M'Tarra smiled, "I think that the longest you will have to wait is... right after we get the gold anklets." she nuzzled against his cheek. "Is that soon enough?" giving a sidelong glance towards their parents, who seemed to be holding their breath waiting for C'Tora's answer.

C'Tora stood up and offered his hand to assist M'Tarra to her feet and looked into her eyes. " I C'Tora Kuroka do vow to take you as my mate for now and all time. Witnessed by the goddess and those assembled here, I promise to always love and support you through good times and trials and to always be by your side. So say I and may none come between us."

M'Tarra's eyes widened, then she smiled.

"I, M'Tarra Silvac, do willingly take upon your family name of Kuroka. To be with you for the rest of our lives, to be cherished as much as I feel cherished right now. I have waited long to find someone like you, who finds me beautiful, both of body and of mind. I will always love and cherish you, through the good times and the bad. For I know that together we are even more stronger, and can withstand what may come. "

M'Tarra gave C'Tora a kiss at the end of her vows. Then the two of them were swept into enthusiastic embraces,by their parents congratulating them both. M'Tarra laughed, hugging C'Tora tightly.

"Guess we'll be needing to talk to your Captain, and let him know of what has happened and get me assigned to the ship."

" Well before we talk to my Captain, there is the matter about getting those gold bands first. Don't want anyone thinking that I don't have a claim on your heart." As he wrapped her in a warm embrace and kissed her once again. He turned to his parents. " Mom and Dad, Thank you for your guidance, but now is the time we start a new journey together and our own pride." He then turned to M'Tarra's parents. " Thank you for entrusting me with your daughters future. She is most precious to me and I shall always love and care for her. Now if you'll excuse us we have some things we need to take care of."

M'Tarra gave her parents as well as C'Tora's parents an embrace, fighting back tears when she heard both mothers begin to sniffle.

"Be well daughter." the both of them said in unison looked at each other with a laugh.

H'iras gave C'Tora an embrace the same with C'Tora's father. "Be safe son" they stepped back to let the two newly wedded caitians leave to start their new life together.

M'Tarra took C'Tora's hand and walked towards the archway to exit the holosuite, waved once more towards their parents before stepping out into a whole new world and new life with C'Tora.